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The Canadian country music star who brought you great hits like “I’ve Been Everywhere!”, “The City of New Orleans” and the “Rhumba Boogie”!
(see our previous Blog post I’ve Been Everywhere, Man!)

Hank Snow, the Singing Ranger

Hank Snow on the Perry Como Show in 1952:

Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis!
by Hank Snow

Listen to a story about a gal I know She’s my music makin’ mama, I’m her hillbilly beau She’s sweeter than the music when she tickles the strings Sweeter than the flowers down in New Orleans She’s my Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Tennessee.

She’ll play a little rhythm, do the boogie up right A Tennessee polka, maybe blues in the night Ever’body travels from near and far To hear her when she picks it on that old guitar My Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Tennessee.

You can hear her in the ev’nin’, when the sun sinks low A-singin’ and a-pickin on that old banjo You wanta jive when the words roll out of her mouth Ever’body’s callin’ her the Queen of the South She’s my fiddle playin’ mama from Memphis, Tennessee.

You gotta start dancin’ when she gets in the groove Picks a big bass fiddle or yodels the blues Plays a downbeat, offbeat, any old beat A breakdown, a hoedown and does it up neat She’s my bass pickin’ baby from Memphis, Tennessee.

You can tell when my baby is a-comin’ to town All the jive-jumpin’ jitterbugs, they gather around They keep a-yellin’ to my sweetie, now, honey, let’s go My baby starts pickin’ and a pickin’ down low My Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Tennessee.

She’ll play a little rhythm, do the boogie up right A Tennessee polka, maybe blues in the night Ever’body travels from near and far To hear her when she picks it on that old guitar My Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Tennessee.

Located on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore Lighthouse Route,
1 minute off Hwy. 103 at Exit 19 in Liverpool, between Yarmouth & Halifax
(Hank was actually born in Brooklyn in Queens County, just outside Liverpool)

Summer: Open Daily Mid May to Mid October
Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday: Noon to 5:00pm
Off Season: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Closed holidays and weekends

Tickets for the 27th Annual Hank Snow Tribute (August 17-20, 2017) on sale now!
Early Bird weekend passes are $60.50, taxes and fees included.
Buy them at ticketpro.ca or call 1-888-311-9090.
Dry RV Camping book through the Hank Snow Home Town Museum
call 1-902-354-4675. The price remains $40/wknd

The song tells a folk tale of a cowboy who has a vision of red-eyed, steel-hooved cattle thundering across the sky, being chased by the spirits of damned cowboys. One of the riders warns him that if he doesn’t change his ways, he’ll be doomed to join them.

The song presents an image of cowboy hell with doomed riders destined to chase the Devil’s cattle for all eternity. Known by the different titles “Riders in the Sky“, “Ghost Riders“, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “A Cowboy Legend“, the song has become a Country & Western Classic!

“(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend” was written by Stan Jones in 1948.
Stan Jones said he heard the story when he was 12 years old from an old cowboy.
More than 50 performers have recorded their own cover versions of the song.

Burl Ives recorded the original version of the song in February, 1949:

Vaughn Monroe recorded the song in March, 1949 and it went to Number One on the Billboard charts. Here’s a live performance from 1965:

Ghost Riders in the Sky!

“(Ghost) Riders in the Sky: A Cowboy Legend“

An old cowboy went ridin’ out one dark and windy dayupon a ridge he rested as he went along his waywhen all at once a mighty herd of red-eyed cows he sawplowin’ through the ragged skies and up a cloudy draw

Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steeltheir horns were black and shiny and their hot breath he could feela bolt of fear went through him as they thundered through the skyfor he saw the riders comin’ hard and he heard their mournful cries

Their faces gaunt, their eyes were blurredtheir shirts all soaked with sweathe’s ridin’ hard to catch that herdbut he ain’t caught em yet’cause they got to ride forever in that range up in the skyon horses snortin’ fire as they ride on, hear their cries

As the riders loped on by him he heard one call his nameif you want to save your soul from hell a-ridin’ on our rangethen cowboy change your ways today or with us you will ridetryin’ to catch the devil’s herd across these endless skies

yippie i ohhh oh oh, yippie i aye ye yeghost riders in the sky, ghost riders in the sky, ghost riders in the sky…….

Ghost Rider in the Sky!

The Ventures made a surf rock cover of the song in 1961 and Dick Dale recorded a rockin’ version for his second album “King of the Surf Guitar” which was released in 1963.

The song inspired the 1949 Gene Autry film “Riders in the Sky”
and the film’s tag lines:“Gene and Champion Ride To Glory!…
as the range echoes to the stirring strains of the great cowboy ballad!”
and“A GREAT COWBOY BALLAD launches Gene on his most stirring adventure!”

Of course Gene Autry sings “Ghost Riders in the Sky”. A chance meeting with Stan Jones led Autry to buy the rights to the song, and he gave Jones a part in the film. Jones appears as a cowboy riding and singing along with Autry in the opening and closing scenes of the film. The song also inspired the 1953 film “Goldtown Ghost Riders” starring Gene Autry.

Gene Autry, World’s Greatest Cowboy!

Gene Autry RIP (September 29, 1907 – October 2, 1998):
He made 640 recordings, including more than 300 songs written or co-written by him.
His records sold more than 100 million copies. He has been awarded more than a dozen gold and platinum records, including the first ever certified gold record.
He was awarded 5 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame On February 8, 1960:
for Motion Pictures, Radio, Recording, Television and Live Performance.
He is the only person with 5 stars on the Walk of Fame.
Elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969
Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1972.
Inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979 as a stock contractor.
He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, The National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
He received The Songwriters Guild Life Achievement Award and was given a lifetime achievement award from ASCAP.
He was a 33rd Degree Mason, an Honorary Inspector General and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Court of Honor.

He created a code of conduct for his young fans called“The Cowboy Code”:
1. The Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
3. He must always tell the truth.
4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6. He must help people in distress.
7. He must be a good worker.
8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.
10. The Cowboy is a patriot.

“The Lawrence Welk Show”with Neil LeVang on guitar (1961):

CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERYAND THEN CLICK AGAIN TO VIEW THE PIC AT FULL SIZE!

Johnny Cash:

CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERYAND THEN CLICK AGAIN TO VIEW THE PIC AT FULL SIZE!

Elvis Presley in 1970 (in Culver City, California):

The song also inspired the horror-Western comic-book character the Ghost Rider. After Magazine Enterprises’ trademark ran out, Marvel Comics debuted its own version of the character in “Ghost Rider” #1 in February, 1967. The character was later renamed the Phantom Rider when Marvel debuted the demonic motorcyclist Ghost Rider.

CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERYAND THEN CLICK AGAIN TO VIEW THE PIC AT FULL SIZE!

Nicolas Cage starred in the 2007 film “Ghost Rider”
and the 2012 sequel “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.”

CLICK ON ANY SMALL PIC TO SEE A LARGER PIC AND VIEW THE GALLERYAND THEN CLICK AGAIN TO VIEW THE PIC AT FULL SIZE!

The Blues Brothers performed the song in the 1998 film “Blues Brothers 2000.” Their version appears on both the soundtrack and on the album “The Blues Brothers’ Greatest Hits of All Time.” In the film, the band is booked at a bluegrass festival and announced as “The Bluegrass Brothers”. Buster Blues’ harmonica parts were recorded by John Popper of Blues Traveler.

According to The Doors’ Robby Krieger, it inspired the classic song “Riders on the Storm”

It evolved out of a jam session when the band was messing around with “Ghost Riders In the Sky” and it was Jim Morrison’s idea to alter the title to “Riders On The Storm.” It was also the last song Jim recorded. He went to France and died a few weeks later. If you listen closely, you can hear Jim whispering the lyrics over his singing. Ray Manzarek told Uncut magazine in September 2011: “There’s a whisper voice on ‘Riders on the Storm,’ if you listen closely, a whispered overdub that Jim adds beneath his vocal. That’s the last thing he ever did. An ephemeral, whispered overdub.” The single was released in June 1971, shortly before Morrison’s death.

Doors drummer John Densmore wrote an auto-biographical book called
“Riders On The Storm” about his life with Jim Morrison and The Doors.

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“The Wabash Cannonball” is an American folk song about a fictional train, thought to have originated in the late nineteenth century. Its first documented appearance was on sheet music published in 1882, titled “The Great Rock Island Route” and credited to J. A. Roff. All subsequent versions contain a variation of the chorus:

Now listen to the jingle, and the rumble, and the roar,As she dashes thro’ the woodland, and speeds along the shore,See the mighty rushing engine, hear her merry bell ring out,As they speed along in safety, on the “Great Rock-Island Route.”

A rewritten version by William Kindt appeared in 1904 under the title “Wabash Cannon Ball”. The Carter Family made one of the first recordings of the song in 1929, though it was not released until 1932. Another popular version was recorded by Roy Acuff in 1936. The song has been covered many times by many artists over the years.

From the great Atlantic ocean to the wide Pacific shoreFrom the queen of flowing mountain to the south bell by the shoreShe mighty tall and handsome and know quite well by allShe’s a combination on the Wabash Cannonball

She came down from Birmingham one cold December dayAs she rolled in the station you could hear all the people sayThere is a girl form Tennessee she long and she tall She came down from Birmingham on the Wabash Cannonball

Our the western states are dandies so the people all ways say From New York to St. Louis and Chicago by the wayFrom the hills of Minnesota where the rippling waters fallNo changes to be taken on the Wabash Cannonball

Here’s to daddy Claxton may his name forever stand And always be remembered in the courts of AlabamHis earthly race is over and as the curtain around him fallWe’ll carry him Home in victory on the Wabash Cannonball

Listen to the jingle the rumble and the roar As she glides along the woodland through the hills and by the shore hear the rush of the mighty engine hear the lonesome hobos call You’re traveling through the jungle on the Wabash Cannonball
–

The Wabash Cannonball 698

The song “The Wabash Cannonball” is part ofThe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list!

There was a “Wabash Cannonball” Rollercoaster at the Opryland USA Theme Park 1975-1997:

It is a signature song of the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjack Marching Band, the Kansas State University Marching Band, the University of Texas Longhorn Band, and of the Indiana State University Marching Sycamores, as ISU is close to the Wabash River. It was also used as the theme song by the USS Wabash (AOR5). There was a B-17 Bomber that flew in World War II named The Wabash Cannonball and Lionel Toys produced a signature named train set.

Lionel Wabash Cannonball Train Set

NOTE: The train was named after the song, not the other way around!
In the wake of the song’s popularity, the Wabash Railroad named its express run between Detroit and St. Louis as the Wabash Cannonball 1949 – 1971.

“I’ve Been Everywhere“ is a song which was written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959 and made popular by Lucky Starr in 1962. The song as originally written listed Australian towns. Original singer Lucky Starr released an EP called “Lucky’s Been Everywhere” that contained four different versions: United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

The North American version (with cities in United States and Canada) was sung by Canadian Clarence Eugene “Hank” Snow RIP (May 9, 1914 – December 20, 1999 and he became an American citizen in 1958), “I’ve Been Everywhere” was a number-one country hit in 1962 for “The Singing Ranger”. It was also sung by Australian singer Rolf Harris with English and Scottish cities in 1963 and by John Hore (later known as John Grenell) with New Zealand cities in 1966.

Hank Snow was a gifted songwriter and was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1978, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and the Nova Scotia Music Hall of Fame in 1979. In Canada, he was voted the top country music performer ten times and inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985. A victim of child abuse, he established the Hank Snow International Foundation For Prevention Of Child Abuse and Neglect in 1976.

NOTE: In 1954 Hank Snow persuaded the directors of the Grand Ole Opry to allow a young Elvis Presley to appear on stage. Snow used Elvis as his opening act and introduced him to Colonel Tom Parker. In August 1955, Snow and Parker formed the management team Hank Snow Attractions and signed a contract with Presley but soon Snow was out and Parker had control of Elvis.

Hank Snow backstage at the Grand Ole Opry – Nashville 1978

Geoff Mack rewrote the song using an atlas supplied to him by his music publisher. Most of the cities in the U.S. version are located in North America, but two are in Central America (Costa Rica and Panama) and three in South America (Barranquilla, Tocopilla, and Argentina):

The song was covered (and adapted for other countries) by many other artists over the years and most notably the U.S. version was recorded by Johnny Cash for his Grammy winning “Unchained” (Best Country Album) in 1996.

Our first night in Ashland, we had the fine idea to drive up to Medford (only about 20 minutes north on the 5 freeway) to the Texas Roadhouse BBQ for a big dinner.

Dinner at the Texas Roadhouse BBQ in Medford, Oregon

Dinner at the Texas Roadhouse BBQ in Medford, Oregon

Dinner at the Texas Roadhouse BBQ in Medford, Oregon

The first thing you’ll notice about the Texas Roadhouse BBQ is the decor. Lots of wood, brick, neon beer signs, farm and western chotckes, and more wood.

“New Country Rock” on the Jukebox at the Texas Roadhouse BBQ

The second thing you’ll notice is the noise… it’s very loud inside! The place is always busy and full of people. The hard wood surfaces and concrete floor amplify the noise and they play LOUD “New Country” music throughout the restaurant.

The food was good. The steak was done right. They boil their ribs and they boiled these a long time. If you like boiled BBQ ribs you’ll probably like theirs. The portions are large, there are lots of side items to choose from, and it’s good “country music” time. If you don’t like loud country music, best to find another restaurant. It’s a good concept and the waitstaff will keep on dancing for your enjoyment!

We got invited to see and hear a blues band play in Pasadena on Saturday night at a place called Big Mama’s Rib Shack. I was not responsible for the planning or execution, once again I was a passenger along for the ride.

Someone may have told someone that the Rib Shack’s food wasn’t good, so the plan was to eat before the show and the decision was to go for Mexican food.

Two Tacos at La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant

Take the 101 freeway south to the 134 east past Glendale and into Pasadena. I wanted to take more pictures along the way, but “stupid” traffic had us running late to dinner. We finally arrived (only ten minutes late) at the restaurant and found a good parking spot on the street right out front.

RIGHT CLICK AND “OPEN IN NEW WINDOW” TO VIEW LARGER PIC

La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant in South Pasadena

The restaurant is a relatively small place, with simple Mexican decor, and it quickly filled up with people once we were seated. We ordered drinks and then perused the menu.

I was told that we would be eating at the show later, so I didn’t try a burrito, a combo or the Fiesta platter of appetizers…and I would happily go back. They also have an “All you can eat” Taco special that I would like to try.

We finished eating and then motored across Pasadena to Big Mama’s Rib Shack.

The building’s not much to look at and the interior design is “whacked”. There are white vinyl booths on one side, tables in the middle with both plastic and wood chairs, and a beer & wine bar in the corner of the dining room. there was an area cleared as a stage (but no stage) next to the bar and a small area for the band’s merchandise as well. They have Saturday night performances, but it’s not real design as a performance space at all.

Big Mama’s Rib Shack in Pasadena

Big Mama’s Rib Shack in Pasadena

Heineken

Here’s the menu: pork, chicken, seafood or beef, beer, wine and soft drinks and a full list of classic BBQ sides. Tickets were $20 for the show and dinner was also required, so we ordered food, with the plan to take home a good portion for lunch on Sunday.

There were only two servers and a bartender covering the crowd, so we ordered before the first set and the food came during the performance before the intermission. And contrary to what we had been told, the food was good (not great, but good) country BBQ.

8:00pm – SHOWTIME! John Németh and his blues band from Memphis, Tennessee

John Németh from Memphis, Tennessee

He Brought His Many Harps! (Blues Harmonicas)

I checked out the merchandise and the band’s setup before the show. I had never seen or heard the band before, but when I saw the collection of harps I knew it was going to be a good show. And I was not disappointed, the music was great!

John Németh and his blues band played two rockin’ sets of Chicago and Texas inspired music. He really is a master of the harp (blues harmonica) and his backing band was tight! The guitar, bass and drums were well rehearsed from playing gigs all over the country. At one point in the second set a guest bassist ( a former band member) stepped in for a few songs. I periscoped three of the songs and links to the live performance videos are located below.

Q: What is a must see between Sacramento, CA and Bend, OR?

My husband and I will be driving from Sacramento, CA, to Bend, OR, in early August, what are some must sees along the way? I just discovered the Mt Shasta Lavender Farm will be closed for the season August 4 the day we will be doing our drive north.

A: Must see between Sacramento, CA and Bend, OR?

Food, Wine & Theatre in Ashland Oregon with JoshWillTravel

Ashland in Southern Oregon is just across the California border on the 5 freeway.

Home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University, the city is a great place to stop and stay overnight or for a few days.

The OSF theatre season runs February to November, and there are free Green Shows during the summer. There are several other theaters in town and nearby, and the university has a full schedule of music, dance and drama programs as well. The Britt Festival Pavilion hosts great concerts and the Oang Medford Armory always has events scheduled.

Lithia Park – Ashland, Oregon

Lithia Park was just voted one of the best parks in the United States, and is right off downtown. There’s hiking, biking, sports, a playground, a lake for swimming, ice skating in winter and bandshell concerts in summer.

There are lots of really great restaurants in Ashland! Beasy’s On The Creek, Peerless Hotel & Restaurant, and Amuse to name just three of the best. Other food places of note are Callahan’s Lodge and Restaurant, New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro outside Ashland, Puck’s Doughnuts and Noble Coffee in town.

The historic Ashland Springs Hotel with Lark’s Restaurant is located on Main Street and the Lithia Springs Resort is just north of town. Both are good choices if you’re staying overnight, and there are many other hotels, motels, B&Bs, and other accommodations available in Ashland or any of the neighboring towns.

Rogue Valley, Oregon (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

There are great wineries that offer tastings throughout the Rogue, Applegate, Umpqua and Willamette Valleys like Weisinger’s Winery, RoxyAnn Winery and Grizzly Peak Winery, named for the mountain and there’s great hiking at Grizzly Peak Trail and Mt. Ashland Ski Resort.

Visit historic Jacksonville (Oregon) and drive by Medford, but be sure stop in Central Point at Lillie Belle Farms Artisan Chocolatesand the Rogue Creamery cheese shop before continuing north.

Q: “Can’t miss” in Oregon Wine Country? Where’s best base? Best time to go?

We’re planning a trip to explore the best of Oregon’s wine country and would appreciate any insider suggestions as to when is the least expensive and least crowded time to go, where to stay to maximize the experience and what we should be sure to do!

It will be my boyfriend and I, less expensive is ideal, I prefer white wines but know this is red wine country! Want to do as little driving as possible but understand that wineries are spread out….

Are there any festivals or events we should check out?

Oregon Shakespeare Festival (copyright 2014 JoshWillTravel)

A: Oregon Wine Country!

Visit the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon.Stay in Ashland, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Visit historic Jacksonville, home of the Britt Festivals and Medford, home of the Harry & David Country Village.

There are lots of great wineries: Grizzly Peak Winery, RoxyAnn Winery, Weisinger’s Winery, Trium Wine, EdenVale Winery and many others. You’re also just south of the Applegate, Umpqua and Willamette Valley wineries, so there are great day trips available.

There are also many great restaurants, places to shop, tourist activities and nice places to stay in addition to the wine and theatre available in Ashland. Please see my other answers for more details!

There’s skiing at Mt. Ashland Ski Resort if there’s snow.

Another great day trip is north 2-1/2 hours to Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon

Q: Place to stay w/ Kids at Crater Lake?

Driving up to Crater Lake this summer w/ 3 kids in tow. Would love a recommendation for a place to stay for 2 nights as close as possible to the lake.

Place to stay w/ Kids at Crater Lake National Park?

A: The best place to stay inside the park is the historic Crater Lake Lodge inside the park on the rim of the lake. Spend the extra money and get a room with a view if available!

Crater Lake Lodge has 71 rooms and is normally open mid May through mid October (2014 Operating Season is May 16 – October 12, 2013). Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made on-line or by calling (888) 774-2728

Cabins At Mazama has 40 units and is located in the Mazama Village complex. It is open late May through early October (2014 Operating Season is May 23 – October 5, 2014). Reservations are recommended. (888) 774-2728

RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Accommodations for spring and summer book early and sell out fast! Check the nps.gov website for info.

There are additional places to stay (motels and cabins for rent) and activities (rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and more) available outside the park near Lost Creek Lake, Prospect, Fort Klamath, along the Rogue River and Highway 62 down the mountain.

NOTE:This Blog was originally written as a virtual “Road Trip” to San Jose! There are many pictures of the journey north from Los Angeles to the Bay Area in California. We tried to capture the essence of the drive along with some good images. Please enjoy this Blog! Updated 20 May 2016

“Do you know the way to San Jose?”

Take a little trip with me at 70+ mph from L.A. to San Jose!

The Office – Friday 1:45pm

Ready? Had a few errands to run and then had to stop by the office in Studio City.

Full tank of gas (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Go!…Friday afternoon traffic leaving L.A. at 2pm.

Friday Traffic on the 101 Freeway north (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

The Open Road at the Camarillo Grade

Camarillo Grade (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

The invitation came via facebook: Annie (belated) Birthday Party and a Reunion of Old College (UCSC) Friends at Ber’s House in San Jose. Okay then, ROADTRIP!

Oxnard (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

It’s about the same distance from Los Angeles to San Jose on the 5 or the 101 freeway, but the 101 is much nicer during the day if you can time it right and avoid the traffic. I was tied up at the office for about an hour, and got a later start than I wanted. There was some afternoon traffic leaving the valley, but once I was passed the Camarillo grade it was a smooth ride and an absolutely beautiful day for a long drive.

Ventura (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Great ocean views and blue skies from Ventura to Lompoc!

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

101 north to San Francisco (Ventura, CA)

Ventura (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

It’s a beautiful day for a drive up the coast.

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Carpinteria (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Airstream! (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Gaviota 3:45pm

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Rest Area in Lompoc (it was full and there was no parking available so I didn’t stop)

(copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

Turning inland and driving through the Lompoc tunnel. Speedtrap ahead! Watch out for the CHP and Buellton Police as you travel downhill!

Normally I don’t eat “fast food”, but i didn’t have lunch so I was starving. Stopped and got a combo burrito, a bean and cheese burrito, and a Dr. Pepper then back on the road. Watch out for the local police “speedtrap” and “stop sign” taxing the tourists on your way back to the freeway!

Saturday – Ann’s Belated Birthday and Reunion Party with old college friends at Ber’s House in San Jose. Afternoon BBQ and festivities into the night!

Annie’s Birthday Cake! Santa Cruz Gang Reunion Party!

Santa Cruz Gang Reunion 2013

Sunday – Woke up early and drove to Santa Cruz, my phone’s battery drained and the car charger didn’t work to recharge it. It was another beautiful day and I drove back through Monterey to the 101 and home to Los Angeles. I saw some amazing things but unfortunately there are no pics.

Highway 17 to Santa Cruz! (copyright 2013 JoshWillTravel)

I hope you enjoyed the ride! It was a fun weekend. I haven’t done a real roadtrip like this one in a long time, and there were no problems once I got past the traffic leaving Los Angeles on Friday afternoon. Only paid for gas and food, because lodging was staying with friends, so it was relatively inexpensive. I can’t say I would want to do it every week, but once in awhile when the weather’s nice, it’s a great California vacation!

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